1 Corinthians 16:13-14 Be on your guard; stand firm in the faith; be courageous; be strong. Do everything in love. 

Lord, enable me to keep my boundaries in place and yet, do EVERYTHING in love.

Luke 1:18 Zechariah asked the angel, “How can I be sure of this? I am an old man and my wife is well along in years.”

It’s strange that even though Zechariah had an angelic visitation and a sure promise from the Lord that Elizabeth would have a baby, he STILL doubted and wanted greater assurance. Sadly, I often am the same way.  Lord, enable me to have great faith.

1 Corinthians 15:10 But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace to me was not without effect. No, I worked harder than all of them—yet not I, but the grace of God that was with me. 

God changes us from the inside out with His amazing grace. Lord, thank You for making me what I am today through Your love and grace! 

Luke 1:17 “And he will go on before the Lord, in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the parents to their children…”

The gospel message includes restoring families. Lord, turn the hearts of parents!

1 Corinthians 14:24-25 But if an unbeliever or an inquirer comes in while everyone is prophesying, they are convicted of sin and are brought under judgment by all, as the secrets of their hearts are laid bare. So they will fall down and worship God, exclaiming, “God is really among you!” 

Unbelievers can find God in the actions of the people in a church. And, as a result, their emotional walls will break down and they will worship the one true God.

Luke 1:15 

for he [John the Baptist] will be great in the sight of the Lord…and he will be filled with the Holy Spirit.

Greatness in God’s sight occurs when we are filled with His Spirit. Fill me today, O Lord. 

1 Corinthians 13:1-3 If I speak in the tongues of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast, but do not have love, I gain nothing. 

If God did not love us, we would have nothing. If we do not love others as God loves us, we are nothing.

Luke 1:13 But the angel said to him: “Do not be afraid, Zechariah; your prayer has been heard. 

We fear that our prayers are not heard. Remind us that You listen, You care, and You will answer, dear Lord. 

1 Corinthians 12:26 If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honored, every part rejoices with it. 

Lord, enable me to rejoice with other Christians when they are blessed.

Luke 1:12 

Zechariah was shaken and overwhelmed with fear when he saw the Angel. 

The Lord’s movement in our lives can be a scary, unsettling experience. However, He can be trusted.